Accounting February 28, 2026
Voting Opens for 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards!
Voting in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards is now open. Readers can vote for the programs, hardware, services, and other technologies they use and trust.
February 13, 2014
Is the New Home Office Deduction Short-Cut Worth It?
A new simplified method devised by the IRS for claiming home office deductions is much faster and easier to use than the unwieldy traditional method.
February 13, 2014
IRS Criminal Prosecutions Skyrocket Under Obama Administration
Between Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 and FY 2013, the IRS has averaged approximately 3,500 criminal referrals a year, a staggering 38.4% increase from the years in which George W. Bush inhabited the White House.
February 13, 2014
This Valentine’s Day, Should You Check With The IRS Before You Say “I do”?
At the risk of being criticized as unromantic (a label often used for us male CPAs), I want to offer one tip for those about to say “I do” this Valentine’s Day
February 13, 2014
States Renew Push for Earned Income Tax Credit
A push to boost tax credits for the working poor could see success in states this year, echoing a key proposal from the White House.
February 13, 2014
IRS Expects Hold Times To Increase At Call Center
The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that phone calls to the agency's support center usually start to dramatically increase following the President's Day holiday, which is this weekend. There are other options for taxpayers who have questions, of course, starting with using a tax professional such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent.
February 13, 2014
IRS Worker Charged With ID Theft, Filing False Returns
As an IRS contact representative, Sherelle Pratt was tasked with tackling confused tax filers' most complicated questions.
February 13, 2014
N.Y. Governor Opposes Cities Having Control Over Minimum Wage
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that local control of minimum wage could lead to cannibalistic competition among New York communities that would hold back economic growth.
February 13, 2014
D.C. Tax Commission Considers Cutting Middle Class Income Tax Rate, Levy on Businesses
A commission charged with reforming Washington, D.C.'s tax code will present recommendations to the D.C. Council that include cutting the income tax rate for middle-class earners and levying a fee on businesses that amounts to $100 per employee annually.
February 13, 2014
New CBO Report Links Obamacare to Job Losses
In the wake of a new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) assessing the impact of Obamacare on employment, Republicans in Congress are renewing some objections to the controversial legislation and modifying others.
February 13, 2014
Reality Bites: The New 3.8% Net Investment Income Surtax
The specter of the dreaded new surtax on “net investment income” (NII) has turned into reality. For the first time ever, some upper-income taxpayers will have to pay the 3.8% surtax on their 2013 income tax returns. This could be a harrowing experience for some of your clients.
February 13, 2014
New Hampshire Representatives Considering Minimum Wage Increase
The 2014 version of a New Hampshire minimum wage hike bill, which would set the wage at one dollar above the federal level and then escalate it in future years, received predictable mixed reviews before a State House panel Tuesday.
February 12, 2014
Are Your Clients Overlooking Tax-Free Fringe Benefits?
We get so busy during tax season that we often barely have time to breathe. Even so, I want you to do some reading. Call the IRS at 800-TAX FORM (800-829-3676) to get a printed copy of IRS Publication 15-B. Have you ever read it? It’s all about fringe benefits.